Iranian Kurdish Woman’s Family Banned from Traveling to France to Collect Rights Prize
The family of Mahsa Amini, the Iranian Kurdish woman who died in custody, have been banned from traveling to France to collect a top rights prize awarded posthumously, their lawyer said Saturday.
A Controversial Death
Amini died at the age of 22 on September 16, 2022, while being held by Iran’s religious police for allegedly breaching the Islamic republic’s strict dress code for women. Her family and supporters believe she was killed, while Iranian authorities claim she died in custody from a previously undisclosed medical condition.
Recognition and Restrictions
In October, the European Union awarded its top rights honor, the Sakharov Prize, to Amini and the global movement her death triggered. However, on Saturday, Amini’s family’s lawyer in France, Chirinne Ardakani, revealed that her parents and brother had been “prohibited from boarding the flight that was to take them to France for the presentation of the Sakharov Prize.” The family had been banned from leaving Iran despite having a valid visa, and their passports had been confiscated.
Silencing the Victims
Ardakani expressed her frustration at the Iranian authorities’ actions, stating that they “have never been so mobilized to prevent the families of the victims from speaking to the international community.” This move is seen as an attempt to silence the Amini family and prevent them from shedding light on their daughter’s tragic death.
Global Movement for Change
Mahsa Amini’s death sparked mass protests in Iran and gave rise to a global movement known as “Woman, Life, Freedom.” This movement calls for an end to Iran’s imposition of a headscarf on all women and seeks to challenge the Muslim cleric-led government in Tehran. Iranian security forces have responded to these protests with a brutal crackdown, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of individuals. Additionally, dozens have been executed for their alleged participation in what officials have labeled as “riots.”
Continued Activism
Despite the obstacles faced by Amini’s family, the “Woman, Life, Freedom” campaign persists in cities around the world. Demonstrations are held frequently, with participants holding Amini’s photo aloft as a symbol of their fight for women’s rights and freedom in Iran.
The Sakharov Prize
The Sakharov Prize, which carries a 50,000-euro ($53,000) endowment, was intended to be presented to Mahsa Amini’s family in a ceremony at the European Parliament on December 13. However, with the family unable to travel to France, it remains uncertain how the prize will be received and whether alternative arrangements will be made.
International Attention
The case of Mahsa Amini has garnered international attention and highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses in Iran. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for individuals who face oppression and injustice. The denial of the Amini family’s right to travel and receive the Sakharov Prize only further emphasizes the need for continued advocacy and support for those fighting for human rights around the world.
In conclusion, the ban on Mahsa Amini’s family from traveling to France to collect the Sakharov Prize is a clear attempt to silence their voices and prevent them from shedding light on her tragic death. However, it is crucial that the international community continues to support and amplify their cause. The “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and freedom in Iran. The denial of justice in this case underscores the need for continued activism and advocacy for human rights worldwide.